Why do we fund climate change projects?
Climate change is a big deal. The warming of our atmosphere affects every living thing on the planet, and science shows that humans are to blame.
The scale of this issue is almost unimaginable—overwhelmingly huge. There's not an ecosystem, industry or society that will not feel its impact. And, while it's easy to feel helpless in the face of climate change, there are individuals, organizations and communities taking meaningful action at this very moment.
That’s why My Friend James supports projects that tackle complex social and environmental issues and effect positive change in the face of adversity. The power and hope behind these projects show that humanity has a future, and it's up to humans to take action.
To the naysayers who say climate change is too big of an issue to address, watch this!
photo: Ólafur Már Björnsson
How do we do it? What’s our theory of change?
We fund good people and good organizations doing good work. It's as simple as that.
In many cases, these projects are small and focused on local or regional issues that, combined, have a global impact. Some focus on mitigating contributions to climate change, while others help the world adapt to the changes we're already seeing. Regardless of how these projects tackle social and environmental challenges, we're here to support and amplify their voices on the international stage.
We leverage our funds to create visibility for these change-makers and encourage more giving. We envision a future where the world's financial resources are redirected towards the innovative projects and people who put humanity and the planet at the center of their efforts.
Join us in spreading the word about these inspiring projects and their potential for fighting climate change and making the world a better place.
What’s with the watch?
wondering about our logo? This is James’ story of how a special watch is changing the world.
In the mid 1980’s, I was given a gift. A Rolex Daytona. I wasn’t a collector of things—and certainly not watches. But this watch was the most coveted thing I had, because it was given to me by someone I deeply admired and who became my greatest mentor. I held onto it tightly for 30 or so years.
As it turns out, my watch was famous. Not as famous and cool as the man who gave it to me, but close. A bunch of us got together in 2017 and decided it was time to show this watch to the world and turn a lifetime of imbibed magic into resources to make the world a better place.
This Rolex was originally a gift from Joanne Woodward to Paul Newman when he started racing cars. On the back are the lovingly inscribed words “Drive Carefully, Me”. Paul wore this watch racing, acting, on movie sets and to dinner with friends—it traveled with one of the coolest guys on the planet, and it soaked up a lot of magic along its journey.
The world was taking notice as early as the late ‘70’s, seeing Paul wearing this Rolex—arguably starting the vintage watch collecting movement and making this particular watch ICONIC.
Around 1984, Paul gave the watch to me. That story is beautifully told by Michael Clerizo of the Wall Street Journal.
In October of 2017, we sold the Rolex and set a world record for the most ever paid for a vintage watch ($17,800,000.00).
This was remarkable. But what is really remarkable is the life that Paul Newman lived, and that’s why the watch became so important to history.
Paul and his legacy continue, and after hearing so many of his close friends reflect on the life Paul lived, I knew that we could all learn something from this man. We can all walk through life with a bit more grace and care for one another.
The story continues as we play this magic forward. Paul’s daughter, Nell, is deeply involved as some proceeds of the watch sale run through her private foundation, The Nell Newman Foundation, where I’m fortunate to be the treasurer.
My Friend James highlights some of the projects that benefit from Paul's watch.
James Cox
Executive Director, Treasurer
My Friend James